Fridge Freezer Buying Guide

What is a fridge freezer?

Fridge freezers are the go to in the majority of homes, combining two storage compartments in a single unit to save space. They're made up of a section for refrigeration to keep food and drinks cool, and a freezer compartment where you can store food at a lower temperature. A fridge freezer is a great way of saving space in your kitchen, and they're available in a range of configuration options to suit your preferences.

Find out more about fridge freezers in our buying guide below.

Shop all Fridge Freezers

How to choose a fridge freezer

To find the perfect fridge freezer for your home, there are a few things you'll need to think about. This includes the type of appliance, the split, the size, and how it'll fit into your kitchen. We've made the process simple; all you have to do is follow the steps below:

Types of fridge freezer
Choosing a split
Fridge freezer sizes
How to measure for a fridge freezer
Fridge freezer features to look out for
Fridge freezer energy ratings
Choose a fridge freezer brand
Fridge freezer FAQs

1. Types of fridge freezer

With the option to store chilled and frozen food, fridge freezers are incredibly convenient. They're versatile, allowing you to combine two appliances to fit into a smaller space. There are three main types of fridge freezer to choose from, including:

Integrated fridge freezers

Tucked behind your existing kitchen cabinets, an integrated, built-in model is the right option for you. The cupboard door conceals the front of the fridge freezer, for a blended, contemporary look. There are two door hinge mechanisms:

A cupboard door screwed directly onto the bracket
A cupboard door and fridge door on separate hinges, connected with a slider

Integrated fridge freezers

Freestanding fridge freezers

These appliances stand on their own rather than fitting inside your kitchen cabinets. They offer more storage space as they tend to be taller and wider than integrated options. They're also easier to move should you need to. With freestanding fridge freezers, you can choose different colours and finishes to match your kitchen's aesthetic.

Freestanding fridge freezers

American fridge freezers

This type of appliance has side by side compartments, with doors opening from the middle. American fridge freezers are quite large, and come with a range of practical features like cold water and ice dispensers. They can be plumbed or non-plumbed, whether you prefer your water rank to fill up automatically or you're happy to do this yourself.

American fridge freezers

2. Choosing a split

When it comes to the split between fridge and freezer space in your appliance, that are plenty of options to suit you and your household:

80/20 split:For less freezer space and more fridge space.
60/40 split:For a slightly larger fridge than freezer.
50/50 split:For an equal amount of freezer and fridge space.

When replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, make sure to choose the same split so that the appliance lines up with your kitchen cupboards

Below, we've highlighted the full range of fridge-freezer splits that you'll find on freestanding and integrated appliances. Click on the buttons to explore models with each type of split.

80/20 fridge freezers

60/40 fridge freezers

50/50 fridge freezers

3. Fridge freezer sizes

Height

Fridge freezers come with varying widths, height and depth, so you can find the perfect appliance for your home.

Integrated freezers

can be as short as 1.18m and can reach up to 2m+, giving you options depending on your preference and the space available.

Integrated fridge freezers

tend to have less variation in height because they need to fit neatly into your kitchen cabinets, which come in standardised sizes.The majority of built-in fridge freezers reach to around 1.77m high.

Width

A freestanding fridge freezer

is typically around 60cm, but they can vary considerably from around 48cm up to nearly a metre wide.

Integrated fridge freezers

tend to be 54-57cm wide to fit into a standard cupboard. You can find built-in models outside of this range to fit custom-built kitchen cabinets, but they're much less common.

The final consideration in terms of the size of your new fridge freezer is its depth. Freestanding and American fridge freezers tend to vary between around 54cm and 75cm deep, whilst integrated models tend to be 54-55cm in depth as standard.

4. How to measure for a fridge freezer

Measuring for a fridge freezer is a fairly quick and straightforward process. If you're going for a freestanding or American model, first measure the height, width, and depth of the available space. Next, check the dimensions of the product and make sure it'll fit where you plan to position it.

When measuring up for an integrated fridge freezer, follow the steps below to ensure your new appliance fits neatly into your cabinet:

Check that the split of the fridge freezer matches your kitchen units so that the cabinet doors line up with those of the appliance.
Measure the height of the space inside your cabinet.
Look at the height of each fridge freezer as you shop to make sure it'll fit into the cabinet space - the heights can sometimes vary, so take your time with this part
Measure the width of the space inside the kitchen unit.
Check the width of the appliances you're looking at, ensuring that they're not too wide or too narrow for the space (most integrated fridge freezers fall into a standardised width range, but it's still worth checking to make sure you're not caught out!)
The majority of built-in fridge freezers are 54-55cm deep to fit seamlessly into a standard kitchen cabinet. That said, check the depth of your cupboard space and the appliances you look at just to be sure.

5. Fridge freezer features to look out for

When you're looking to buy a new fridge freezer, you'll come across a range of useful features that can improve the performance of your appliance and make your life that bit easier. Let's explore some of the functionalities you might want to look out for.

Smart Technology:

Some modern fridge freezers come with smart technology, which uses Wi-Fi connectivity to sync your smartphone and your appliance together (often via an app). Some smart fridge freezers will let you use your phone to check the contents of the fridge

Ice and water dispensers:

Many American-style fridge freezers come with built-in dispensers, giving you cool, filtered drinking water and ice at the touch of a button. You'll also find this feature on certain freestanding appliances.

Freezer guard technology:

We offer a range of fridge freezers that can operate in cold environments - some can even work with external temperatures as low as -15°C, meaning your appliance won't malfunction when temperatures drop.

Frost-free technology:

Ever noticed ice building up inside your freezer? This can be really annoying, particularly when you have to dig through layers of ice to clear it! Frost-free technology addresses this issue by keeping the air inside your fridge freezer circulating. The movement of air helps to prevent moisture from forming ice.

Auto defrost:

Auto defrost performs the same function as frost-free technology but in the fridge compartment of your appliance. Here, a hole towards the bottom of the fridge collects all of the condensation that forms from moisture in the air, helping to prevent ice from forming.

Quick freeze:

Quick freeze mode is perfect for situations in which you need food frozen fast - the ideal solution for when you come home from the shops with ice cream that's starting to thaw out. Once activated, the quick freeze setting works by rapidly lowering the temperature of your freezer compartment quickly and effectively

Antibacterial lining:

Some fridge freezers feature an antibacterial lining inside the fridge compartment. This is specially formulated to stop potentially harmful bacteria from accumulating inside your appliance, which in turn helps to keep unpleasant odours to a minimum. The antibacterial lining isn't a replacement for cleaning altogether, but will help to keep your fridge freezer smelling fresh in between cleans.

Holiday mode:

Going to be away from home for a while? Some fridge freezers have a holiday mode that's perfect for a situation like this. Once you've emptied out all of your food, simply active this setting and leave the appliance switched on. Whilst you're away, the temperature inside the fridge freezer will be regulated at an energy-efficient level to ensure you don't come back to any unpleasant odours.

6. Fridge freezer energy ratings

If you're after an environmentally friendly fridge freezer - or one that'll save you money on running costs - then it's a good idea to check out the energy ratings of appliances as you shop.

Fridge freezers now use the new energy rating system, which rates the energy efficiency of appliances on a scale of A to G (with A being the most energy efficient). You can learn more about the changes to the energy rating system in our helpful guide to energy ratings.

Shop energy efficient fridge freezers

7. Choose a fridge freezer brand

Now you've learned what to look for to find your perfect fridge freezer, you'll need to think about which brand you prefer. We have a wide range to choose from, including Miele, Smeg, Bosch, Samsung and more. Explore your options today.

8. Fridge freezer FAQs

Below, we've provided answers to some fridge freezer FAQs that customers ask us. If you can't find the information you're looking for here, don't worry - just get in touch.

What is an integrated fridge freezer?

An integrated fridge freezer sits neatly tucked away inside your kitchen cabinets. As the cupboard door conceals the front of these appliances, they blend seamlessly into your kitchen and create a sleek contemporary look. You'll find a wide range of built-in fridge freezers in our selection.

What is a freestanding fridge freezer?

Freestanding fridge freezers stand on their own rather than fitting inside your kitchen cabinets. As a result, you'll be able to find freestanding models that are taller and wider than built-in ones. You can also take them with you easily if you move house. Take a look at our range of freestanding fridge freezers.

When should I replace my fridge freezer?

You could reduce your bills and save money in the long-term by replacing an old, inefficient appliance with a new A-rated one. Some people also decide to get a new fridge freezer so they can benefit from useful innovations like smart technology. If you're not looking for an upgrade, your fridge freezer can last for as long as 15 to 20 years. Before the 15-year mark, you may notice certain signs that your appliance is failing. These could include:

Excessive condensation on the inside or outside of the appliance;
Food not lasting as long as it should;
The fridge is hot to the touch at the back;
Frost is building up in the fridge or freezer compartment;
A change in the amount of noise it produces (either it gets much louder or quieter).

If you notice any of these signs, contact a fridge freezer repair specialist. They'll be able to advise you whether your appliance can be fixed or if it's time for a new one.

Which fridge-freezer split should I go for?

Your fridge freezer can sometimes get jolted about slightly in transit, so it's best to give your new appliance some time to settle before plugging it in and turning it on. Ask your delivery driver whether it was transported upright or on its side. If it came upright, leave it to settle for an hour in an upright position; if your fridge freezer was laid down in transit, stand it up and give it at least four hours before using it.

When can I put food in my new fridge freezer?

Once you've allowed your new fridge freezer to settle in an upright position for four hours, you can turn it on and put food in it straight away.

How do I install my integrated fridge freezer?

Unless you feel confident with installing the hinge mechanism on your new built-in fridge freezer, we recommend leaving this to your kitchen fitter. They will know which type of door hinge to use and will have experience in fitting them.

Can I keep my fridge freezer in a garage, utility room, or outbuilding?

Keeping a fridge freezer in one of these locations can provide you with the overflow space you need. That said, if you plan to store your appliance in a place that gets very cold in the winter, it's important to choose an appliance with freezer guard technology. We stock a range of appliances that are suitable to keep in a garage, utility room, or outbuilding. Explore our range of fridge freezers with freezer guard technology to find the ideal model for you.

How long do fridge freezers last?

Fridge freezers can last for as long as 15 to 20 years.

You can improve your appliance's lifespan by looking out for signs that it's not performing as it should and getting it fixed if required. Some things to look out for include:

Excessive condensation on the inside or outside of the appliance;
Food not lasting as long as it should;
The fridge is hot to the touch at the back;
Frost is building up in the fridge or freezer compartment;
A change in the amount of noise it produces (either it gets much louder or quieter).

If you notice any of these signs, contact a fridge freezer repair specialist. They'll be able to advise you whether your appliance can be fixed or if it's time for a new one.

How can I dispose of my old fridge freezer?

The insulation and refrigerant in your old fridge freezer can be harmful, so it's important to dispose of it responsibly. Many people choose to have their old appliance collected by the company that delivers the new one. Other options include contacting your local council to collect it or taking it to a nearby recycling centre. At Marks Electrical - we make that simple with our in house recycling service. When you order your new appliance, simply select the additional recycle service and we can deliver and install your new appliance, and take your old one away for recycling all in one go. Learn more about our recycling service here.